2011 Full Moon Red Wine

Last week I was in Paso Robles for a wedding. In some of the downtime, I decided to visit some local wineries.  One that I visited was Midnight Cellars.  Several years ago I had been there and remembered that they had some great vino. Specifically, a great Red Wine. After driving up the lane and pulling into the parking area, I got out and looked around at the stunning views. So quiet, so tranquil and terrain that makes you take a breath. You think to yourself, if I only had a winery.

When you read the story about Midnight Cellars it is so interesting. Here is what they posted on their website:
The Hartenberger family began Midnight Cellars in May 1995. The idea had sprung from a family vacation to Northern California wine country. While sipping wine and overlooking a beautiful valley, the fateful comment was made: “Hey Dad, you should buy a winery when you retire, and we’ll run it for you!” Two years later, when Dad’s retirement became a reality, the winery idea resurfaced and became an actuality. The family members sold their Chicago homes and converged on Paso Robles where they started their dream. Mary Jane and Robert Hartenberger moved their family to Paso Robles, California in 1995, with the pursuit of growing grapes and making wine; the outcome, Midnight Cellars Winery. Their 160 acre ranch, in the western hills of Paso, is now home to three generations of Hartenbergers.

Once in the tasting room you really appreciate the hard work that it takes to make a successful winery. Sure, what a great job to open and pour wine for visitors, however, the folks here live and breath it. With each pour you hear and feel the passion of the winemakers.

I sampled several varieties and have to say that 2011 Full Moon Red and Syrah "Nocturne" are favorites. That being said, tonight I had the Full Moon Red and it was nothing short of amazing! I paired it a hearty pasta of spaghetti and meatballs, and of course some "flat top garlic bread" and a Bruschetta Iceberg Salad Wedge. Courtesy of the chef here at  "336". Award wining dinner.  If my grandfather were alive today, he wouldn't believe the sauce, or gravy that we had tonight! Full bodied and makes you want to add the sauce on that bread with a slice of meatball and SMILE!

The wine has a great nose when you open it. Spicy, and the hints of Strawberry and Black Cherry can be noted right away. The color is a deep, deep garnet and has a real shimmer in the glass. The first sip, is so wonderful. You can taste the Black Cherry, Strawberry and a hint of Tobacco. Smooth, this wine is smooth! You can enjoy glass after glass of this vino, NO PROBLEM!

Here are some notes from the winery:

Midnight Cellars Full Moon Red is our top selling wine! Since the harvest of 1998, this handcrafted wine is consistent year after year in a style that is approachable, fun, and lighter bodied. Full Moon Red continues to have a rounded mouthfeel and notes of fresh raspberries and strawberries. Every grape is handpicked and two-table sorted giving this wine the attention it truly deserves. Enjoy with any dish or all by it’s self!

In closing, you should pick up a bottle or two of this wine. It's price point is great too. At about $18.00 per bottle, it is great value.  This vino really made THE PIG JUMP OVER THE MOON!

2009 Castle Rock Pinot Noir - Central Coast

Sunday night and just relaxing after a beautiful day. A tepid summer thus far and the time outside has been really so wonderful. Today as was a trip up to Roscoe's for chicken and waffles for breakfast. We went up and met our dear friend Alison and continued to our destination.  If you haven't been there it is worth it just to see the melting pot of individuals that make up Roscoe's.   I swear that that place is never NOT busy. People holding numbers already at 10:00am! We found seating at the bar. That area is a trip back in time. Old School, dark wood shelves hold so many bottles of so many liquors, if they don't have it, I would be amazed! The barstools are totally comfy and retro as well. Harkening back to the 1970's, naugahyde vinyl in a nice beige holds you firmly in the seat. Yes sir, this is a place where stories are told and memories are made! Our server behind the bar is wearing a modernist corset with a Roscoe's t-shirt cut in a V-neck style and her breasts are just popping out! Lord have mercy, those poor men just can't stop looking at that show she has going on! Especially as she uses some extra action when drying up those bar glasses! So much fun just thinking how she must get herself some really healthy tips wearing her outfit and doing all that jiggling and swinging just wiping and drying her bare ware, God Bless her!


So after the breakfast at Roscoe's Just pretty much chilled at 336 reading the paper and relaxing in the garden.  A big meal that like first thing in the morning pretty much creates a major lethargic me for the rest of the day. Just like going to brunch, that really does me in. So much food and I just have to sample a little of all of it!  Anyway, tonight we have quite a menu happening:  Grilled Rib Eye, on blue cheese toast, some caramelized onions, with arugula and grilled corn salad with a cilantro jalapeno vinaigrette dressing. Sounds just so wonderful!  I decided to try this Pinot Noir by Castle Rock. Now in reading the pairing I thought well, it's not lamb, chicken, veal or salmon, but let's give it a try. Since several of our dishes are grilled, I'm thinking that this could be a nice marriage. Probably not perfect, but good. Now the flavor on it's own is solid. Definitely lots of tastes of black cherry, spice and plum. It has mild tannins, and the finish strong. I'm thinking this is a nice go to wine for the money. I mean it's smooth, even but not a complex Pinot. And for a price point of under $10.00, this vino hits the mark.


Here is some info from Castle Rock:


Grown in the Central Coast region of California, where the climate and soil quality provide excellent growing conditions for this Burgundian varietal. Here, the cooling ocean breeze helps to produce a longer growing season for grapes, with extra grape-time on the vines leading to a characteristic depth of flavor in the wine. Our Pinot Noir is elegant and medium-bodied, offering aromas of cherry, tea and herbal spice. On the palate, the wine gives flavors of black cherry, plum and spice. It is smooth with a silky texture and mild tannins. This versatile food wine pairs well with lamb, chicken, veal, salmon and light pasta dishes.


So pick up a bottle or two and give this Pinot Noir from Castle Rock a taste. This is a great value and can be had for under $10.00 it really made THE PIG JUMP OVER THE MOON!  Enjoy!

2011Garnacha Buscado

The day is winding down, I'm in the garden listening to fountain and chickens as they wander around their enclosure getting that last bit of food before settling in for the night. Today was Easter! We had a great day by setting up camp at the beach. A top of the line picnic with crackers and homemade spreads of eggplant and red roasted peppers, and a white bean and artichoke humus as well as onion dip and potato chips, and deviled eggs as the starters.  Then on nice spring time designed china, we had ou lunch of fresh vegetable quiche and the famous 12 layer salad. Of course a dessert of fresh strawbery shortcake topped with fresh whipping cream!

One we got home, unloaded the car and put things away, I decided to try a wine from Spain, 2011 Garnacha Buscado. When I was wondering through the store with my coupon in hand,on Saturday, I read the various reviews and this one scored a 93! A fricken 93 for a wine that retails for $9.95. I had to snap it up! I even buried it in my cart hoping no one else would see this unknown gem.


So it said to chill it to 59 degrees by putting it in the fridge for about 15 minutes. So the perfect to jump in the shower then try a nice glass of vino. So as I pour the wine into the glass the color is vivid with a deep purple and then the hints of garnet. Really, really lovely. The taste is amazing! The overtones of blackberry and black cherry is so refreshing, it really says "Summer". The finish is crisp and this vino has some serious "legs". After an official taste from the head chef here at 336, I was advised to go directly back and pick up at least 6 more bottles!


Now, this is perfect to combine for any casual dinner. I just learned that ours will be a light one. A tossed green salad and spanakopita and some baked fried green tomatoes! Can't wait I think this will the perfect combo!

So pick up a  few bottles, once I have picked up mine!  As I mentioned this wine is only $9.95 a bottle and MADE THE PIG JUMP OVER THE MOON!

2009 Cambria Pinot Noir - Julia's Vineyard

Saturday night and just finished dinner. A wonderful homemade chicken barbeque pizza with a smoked buffalo mozzarella and fresh cilantro from the garden, all on a great pita. Now, here you have to have some salad as well, and a wonderful green salad with parmesan shavings capped the meal. So tasty and healthy too. The day was a busy one, first, I was asked to some "retail time" this morning by the general manager so, in order to keep my discount, which comes in so handy for trying these different vinos, I went and spread some sunshine and sold the heck out of various wines and a cadre of Easter treasures to all our customers! 

Out by noon, I then hurried home to finish a couple of projects I had on the list. Now the weather was perfect for painting. One project was the repainting of the front and side gates, so that's what I did. Which reminds me of a story: While I wish I could paint wonderful landscapes, even though I have taken a watercolor classes, for some reason, my work seems to take on a very "abstract" look. Which really is quite funny. One year while on vacation in Yosemite, with the full on artist set up, I painted the landscape, the beautiful purple hued mountains, the crisp green pine trees and natural grasses that swayed in the wind...my painting looked so Picasso that it was comical! As a couple strolled by and commented how "lovely" my painting was! The same way that your mom gave you that confidence boost when you brought home your school artwork and placed it on the refrigerator. I thanked them, and put it on the fridge when we returned!

I chose the 2009 Cambria Pinot Noir - Julia's Vineyard that I had on the rack. I thought that the combo of this vino and the chicken and barbeque would be a great pairing, and it most certainly was!
Opening the bottle and pouring it into the glass velvety purple and ruby color
just looked so perfect. The aroma of red and black cherry, plum, rose petal, brown spice, earthy/mineral, toast and toffee. The taste is exactly the taste mirrors the aromas. The black cherry, plum, raspberry and spice plays with your tongue and has a wonderful crisp finish that leaves you wanting that next taste!

Here are some review of this vino:

92 points Wine Enthusiast
*Editors' Choice* Another lovely Julia's Pinot from Cambria, at a fair price. With its light tannins and transparency, it’s definitely Pinot Noir, and the acidity testifies to a cool climate. You might even pick out the Santa Maria Valley from the crushed Indian spices. Subtle but intriguing cherry, cola and plum flavors round out the picture. Drink now-2015.                                                                                         
90 points Wine & Spirits
A rich pinot with warm black cherry flavor, this is dark, chewy and broad. The tannins have a touch of smoky bitterness, needing a steak to bring them into line.


So don't walk, run to pick up a few bottles, I know I am! This wine retails for about $19.99 and certainly tastes like a heck of lot more.


This vino definitely made THE PIG JUMP OVER THE MOON!                                                                                
               

2011 Plungerhead Dry Creek Valley Old Vine Zinfandel

Wonderful Sunday. It was a beautiful day weather wise here. We drove the convertible up  to Los Angeles to get some sun and enjoy the weather.  Once we exited the freeway and drove down Melrose we saw a sight that will live us forever. Picture this, at the stop light we glance to the right and there is a woman, holding her 40 ounce beer neatly packaged in a brown paper bag, and she is dancing. Probably in her 30's or 40's dressed in a fleece pull over and jeans  she has no headphones or music, but totally rocking out! What made it even better, she was pole dancing using the bus stop sign as her pole! We watched her performance as we waited for the light to change, and looked over to see another man, a bit disheveled with his own 40 ounce in a brown bag sitting on the bus bench watching her performance as well! As the lighted changed to green and we proceeded down Melrose we saw an upcoming patrol car. We wondered if the dance session would be ended abruptly or if he would just continue down the street. Welcome to Hollywood!

So we went to Los Angeles to a truly great exhibition. The Diane Von Furstenberg Journey of a Dress was AMAZING!  The neon sign over the entrance to the event read " Feel like a woman, wear a dress!". The original ad ran in 1972 with Diane Von Furstenberg sitting on a white cube, with that very saying written and signed by her. Spectacular! As you enter room, the white mannequins all proudly have various dresses and pant suits that are unmistakably "The Wrap Dress". Colors, animal prints, geometric interlocking designs, all that makes your senses come alive and makes you smile because they are one thing, timeless. Her story is amazing and the dress changed women and the spirit of women.

When we got back, the kitchen was immediately busy.  A trip earlier in the week brought some short ribs back from the Beef Palace and they are sure smelling great! My understanding is that the dinner tonight will be short ribs, egg noodles sour cream with vegetables and arugula salad.  Really the dinner to cap a great day!

I decided to open the 2011 Plungerhead Dry Creek Valley Old Vine Zinfandel. Now I have raved about the TOG wines for a long time and this one too is a winner. The color is  very dark deep purple, and the aroma is blueberry and fig. Some pepper for sure and spice.  From the first taste you can taste dried cherry, dark chocolate, black raspberry, vanilla, and a hint of mocha. The finish continues to dip into the dark blackberry and cinnamon.

This vino checks in at about $15.00 a bottle and you won't be disappointed. Looking forward to pairing it tonight with dinner as I'm sure it will be just perfect.

This wine made the PIG JUMP OVER THE MOON.

ATTENTION ATTENTION I HAVE A WINE ALERT!!!

The other day I had a message on my phone and I had to share it with all of reading the blog. When I retrieved the message it was my friend Bill.


Now Bill and I worked together years ago and have kept in touch over the years. Being from Chicago we can call or leave messages with each other about missing those certain food items that we both grew up with. At any rate, Bill left this message, "Mr., Miller, attention, this is a wine alert, this is a wine alert!"  He then gave the name of the wine and I of course went and picked up a few bottles to try for myself. So stay tuned for that review. I saved the message and and replay it and it makes me smile.  Thanks Bill!

2011 Zolo Gaucho Select Torrontes

Tonight I am having a glass of the 2011 Zolo Gaucho Select Torrontes after a truly wonderful day. We went up to the Huntington Garden and Library today on a truly spectacular Sunday. The weather was partly cloudy, however by mid afternoon, the sunshine was out in full force with a slight breeze.


So as I sit here writing the chef is immersed in dinner. Tonight some homemade Persian food of chicken kabob, ground chicken on skewers, There is a countertop of the various parts of the meal that will be part of the dinner, Persian cucumbers, Feta cheese, onions, tomatoes, and the famous addictive bread!  Can't wait to get into all that!


In the mean time just a quick reflection on the day. As we left the gardens late this afternoon, I perched myself outside the gift shop while the other half decided to peruse the inside. I strategically sat as watched the promenade of people that were both leaving and those arriving. Just a parade of fashion, epecially watching some of the women. All done up with heels! God Bless them, just strutting down the runway. Mostly clinging onto the arm of a friend, boyfriend or husband. 


I would say the people watching there is pretty high up on the list of "best places"!  Great mix of people and just watching and listening was better than TV!  Here is one story I'll share.  A man in late 70's or early 80's is guided over by his daughter. She says "I think we need to get you out of the sun, you've been in it most of the day!" He smiles as she guides him over, and she directs him to the shady spot under the umbrella on the wooden bench, he sits down with a slight groan, smiles and moves back to get comfortable. The daughter says she is going into the gift shop to look around and to get Chloe, who is related some how, probably the granddaughter.  As she leaves and turns back to give him the look of "I'll only be gone a minute", he smiles, and as he watches her enter the shop and disappear into the store, he slides over to the sunny side of the bench, smiles, closes his eyes and enjoys the March sunshine on his face, with a look of complacency and knowing he should be on the shady side of the bench, however, is willing to risk getting caught and listening to a lecture on the dangers of the sun.


So as I drink the wine and recount the day, I can taste the citrus and flowers. It has a great crisp finish and I know not only with this be a great vino with the meal, but a great vino with some Thai food or a spicy sea food like shrimp! Yep, this is a great vino that I suggest you pick up and keep around. Gives Chardonnay a run for it's money for sure and at only $14.00 a bottle, I'd say the Mendoza region of Argentina, will be producing some great wines from now and in the future. I have tried the other Zolo wines and they have not disappointed.


This vino made THE PIG JUMP OVER THE MOON! 

Thorin 2013 Beaujolais Nouveau

Dinner tonight was a roasted and smoked turkey, stuffing with some cranberries and walnuts, from Mr. Garcia, fresh corn and broccoli, a delicious 100 layer roll and this great Beaujolais that I bought this past weekend. Now the bird sat on the grill yesterday for six hours! Yes, 6 hours, slowly smoking with citrus chips, it's insides stuffed with tangerines and lemons. I need to also mention that the bird also spent the night in a brine with apple juice.

I worked n the garden most of yesterday and could smell the smoking turkey and would smile when people walked by and would say "something sure smells great".


In the past we have had some great Pinot with Turkey, and then I saw this bottle of Thorin Beaujolais Nouveau and thought why not. First, the bottle is stunning, with beautiful colors and artwork. It easily can be seen on the self from a distance. Secondly, it had a great price point. Third, it only is sold for a short period of time, starting around Thanksgiving and is made to be drunk within a year.

Here is some notes about the wine:

Beaujolais Nouveau is a young red wine made from handpicked Gamay grapes grown in the Beaujolais region of France, where the beverage accounts for half of the region's production. While most red wines improve with age, Beaujolais Nouveau is all about freshness. Many producers, race to deliver the first of the vintage to celebrations throughout France and the world.

Under French law, the wine may be released at 12:01 a.m. on the third Thursday of November, just weeks after the wine's grapes have been harvested. Fermentation is so short that the resulting wine exhibits fruity flavors and light tannins. Beaujolais Nouveau should be consumed right away (or within a year of being made), and is best served slightly cooled. Nearly half of the wine's 70-million-bottle production is exported abroad, mainly to Japan, Germany and the United States (where it is popularly enjoyed with Thanksgiving dinner).


The wine is sweet and dry, with lots of fruity flavor. Red fruits and a deep cherry flavor, minimal tannins so easy to drink and enjoy. Now, many of the critics are quick to judge the Beaujolias with low ratings, but I think they're wrong. Sometimes it's great to step outside the box and find a new vino. What's the worst that could happen? I mean sometimes, you have a great surprise!


Time is running out running, so check out places to pick one up and give it a try with your next chicken or turkey dinner, you won't be disappointed.


For under $10.00, it was a great vino. This one made "The Pig Jump Over the Moon".

Beaujolais Nouveau is a young red wine made from handpicked Gamay grapes grown in the Beaujolais region of France, where the beverage accounts for half of the region's production. While most red wines improve with age, Beaujolais Nouveau is all about freshness. Many producers, including regional giant Georges Duboeuf, race to deliver the first of the vintage to celebrations throughout France and the world.
Under French law, the wine may be released at 12:01 a.m. on the third Thursday of November, just weeks after the wine's grapes have been harvested. Fermentation is so short that the resulting wine exhibits fruity flavors and light tannins. Beaujolais Nouveau should be consumed right away (or within a year of being made), and is best served slightly cooled. Nearly half of the wine's 70-million-bottle production is exported abroad, mainly to Japan, Germany and the United States (where it is popularly enjoyed with Thanksgiving dinner).

Read more at http://www.gayot.com/wine/beaujolais-nouveau-day.html#hmm1TM0IEHIOL8EA.99

Beaujolais Nouveau is a young red wine made from handpicked Gamay grapes grown in the Beaujolais region of France, where the beverage accounts for half of the region's production. While most red wines improve with age, Beaujolais Nouveau is all about freshness. Many producers, including regional giant Georges Duboeuf, race to deliver the first of the vintage to celebrations throughout France and the world.
Under French law, the wine may be released at 12:01 a.m. on the third Thursday of November, just weeks after the wine's grapes have been harvested. Fermentation is so short that the resulting wine exhibits fruity flavors and light tannins. Beaujolais Nouveau should be consumed right away (or within a year of being made), and is best served slightly cooled. Nearly half of the wine's 70-million-bottle production is exported abroad, mainly to Japan, Germany and the United States (where it is popularly enjoyed with Thanksgiving dinner).

Read more at http://www.gayot.com/wine/beaujolais-nouveau-day.html#hmm1TM0IEHIOL8EA.99

Beaujolais Nouveau is a young red wine made from handpicked Gamay grapes grown in the Beaujolais region of France, where the beverage accounts for half of the region's production. While most red wines improve with age, Beaujolais Nouveau is all about freshness. Many producers, including regional giant Georges Duboeuf, race to deliver the first of the vintage to celebrations throughout France and the world.
Under French law, the wine may be released at 12:01 a.m. on the third Thursday of November, just weeks after the wine's grapes have been harvested. Fermentation is so short that the resulting wine exhibits fruity flavors and light tannins. Beaujolais Nouveau should be consumed right away (or within a year of being made), and is best served slightly cooled. Nearly half of the wine's 70-million-bottle production is exported abroad, mainly to Japan, Germany and the United States (where it is popularly enjoyed with Thanksgiving dinner).

Read more at http://www.gayot.com/wine/beaujolais-nouveau-day.html#hmm1TM0IEHIOL8EA.99

Well, I am back...do you know why I haven't been posting?

So it has been several months since I posted and I'm sure many of you know why I haven't. Let's squash the rumors of me going to rehab, or traveling through the various wine regions around the world.
The fact of the matter is that on October 6th, I had a life changing event, I broke the wrist on my right hand. My primary hand. Which for several weeks and into months, I could do little with it. The"incident" as I like to refer to it, happened at a roller disco party. Not going into great detail here, but I was out there, enjoying the music, not being a hot dog or anything, and when I went to exit the floor, I fell. Fell so hard and landed on my right arm where the break was heard. So after going to the emergency room, in costume (I looked like a 70's pimp for sure) I had my arm set. Then appointments with specialist and surgeons resulted in a new metal plate, 12 screws and a new attitude about anything physical that might result in injury.


On the Brightside, I didn't stop drinking!  So I have some scribbled notes, with lettering looking like it was written by a serial killer, and saved bottles to catch you all up on some great vino.


"Lefty" was a new nickname given to me, and I like it!


Enjoy, glad to be back typing with two hands!


Don Antonio